On Monday UN announced that 9-employees of its Agency for Palestinian Refugees (UNRWA) may have been involved in the October 7 Hamas attack on southern Israel. After this announcement, the UN also announced that they were firing those 9 employees.
“We have enough information to take the actions we’re taking, which is the termination of these nine individuals,” stated UN spokesperson Farhan Haq. He also mentioned that the organization will continue to assess whether additional steps are necessary to “fully corroborate” the involvement of these employees.
Farhan Haq’s comments followed the completion of an investigation by the UN’s oversight body into allegations made by Israel earlier this year. Israel had claimed that a total of 19 UNRWA employees might have been involved in the attack.
These allegations led several governments including the United States, a major donor, to temporarily halt funding to UNRWA, jeopardizing the agency’s ability to provide aid in Gaza. However, some countries have since resumed their financial support.
Why Is Israel-Hamas Attack Important For Middle East Diplomacy?
Israel has pledged to eliminate Hamas in response to the October 7 attack, which resulted in the deaths of 1,197 people, mostly civilians, according to an AFP count based on Israeli official figures. Additionally, Hamas fighters captured 251 hostages, 111 of whom are still being held in Gaza, including 39 whom the Israeli military believes to be deceased.
Israel’s retaliatory campaign against Hamas has resulted in at least 39,550 deaths in Gaza, according to the territory’s health ministry, though it does not distinguish between civilian and militant casualties.
Assessing World’s Reaction To Surprise Hamas Attack Against Israel
UNRWA has been helping Palestinian refugees since 1949. The organization is facing criticism from Israel. UNRWA Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini urged Israel to “cease its campaign” against the agency, condemning what it described as “outrageous” attacks on its staff, facilities and operations.
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